EXPLAINED: Who's saying what in Boyne Smelter power price battle

Tegan Annett has been a journalist at the Gladstone Observer since 2012. She started as a cadet reporter, while studying at CQUniversity. A Tannum Sands resident since 2005, this year she took on the role as deputy editor.

In the meantime he wants his Government to support BSL, whether it be financially or help them strike a deal with the Queensland electricity generators.

Glenn Butcher, Gladstone's state member

Glenn Butcher on BSL jobs and production cuts:
Glenn Butcher on BSL jobs and production cuts

Gladstone's state member Glenn Butcher has defended Queensland's electricity prices.

"(BSL) had been given ample opportunity for good pricing of electricity here in Queensland, and when they were competitive in the market and their prices for aluminium were high, they refused to take those offers," he told media late January.

Gladstone MP Glenn Butcher said the issue had been ongoing for 18 months and he's organised "about 20" meetings with Rio Tinto and the state's two electricity generators with hope to strike a deal for BSL.

He said the State Government would not financially support BSL to help get the company out of trouble.

Mr Butcher has also commended the long-term Gladstone based business on its "extraordinary" and "award-winning" efforts to save on production costs.

"They are second-to-none for the way they streamline their business....," he said.

"...But this is the consequences."

Federal Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan

Senator Canavan, who is the Federal Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, said the state government "has got to be held accountable for this".

"The state government didn't want privatisation and now we're paying the highest electricity rate in the world," the Liberal National Senator said.

"They are doing a woeful job. It is not sustainable if we want to keep jobs. The Queensland Government needs to tell us what their direction is to CS Energy."